Madigan: ‘Tough’ decisions ahead on concealed guns

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan says lawmakers will need to take “tough positions” to reach a compromise on legislation allowing the carrying of concealed weapons.

The Senate Executive Committee on Thursday endorsed a concealed-carry measure that would require permit applicants be of “good moral character.” It would also create a separate local police endorsement for people who want to carry a gun in Chicago.

That differs significantly from proposals in the House — one of them a National Rifle Association-backed bill that fell short of passage last month.

Madigan says compromise on the issue by a June 9 federal court-ordered deadline will be difficult. He says the deeply divisive issue will require lawmakers to compromise and do things they typically oppose.